The Appellate Court has issued its long awaited ruling on Community High School District 99’s appeal related to the eminent domain action on the 45-acre property in Woodridge Town Centre.  The Appellate Court has now affirmed the Trial Court rulings on all of the matters appealed by District 99.  A copy of the opinion is posted on the Village website here. 
 
The Trial Court ruled in 2007 that the Village of Woodridge had the authority to acquire the land through the eminent domain process.  A jury established the value of the property to be $14,200,000 at the 2008 condemnation trial.  At that time possession and control of the property was transferred to Woodridge. 

District 99 is entitled to the proceeds from the trial court’s judgment on the verdict which includes the $14,200,000 award and approximately $550,000 in accumulated interest.

The Village and Woodridge Park District, as full partners in purchasing the property, will preserve the property for public use.  With the hopeful conclusion of this case the Village and the School District will have the opportunity to move forward in a positive fashion to accomplish their respective organizational missions. 

The Village of Woodridge recently began its annual survey process in order to gather citizen input on Village services and programs.  This year, the Community Needs Survey again offers participants the opportunity to participate online.  Each year, the Village randomly selects 1200 residents to complete the survey.  The Village then uses the compiled results to assist with planning programs and setting future service levels.  If you receive notification to participate, the Village encourages the completion of the survey in order to make your voice heard as part of the annual strategic planning process.  Surveys are due back to Village Hall by the extended deadline of August 13, 2010.